More on Jacoby

Reader and regular commenter mike b1 had some thoughts on yesterday’s piece about Jacoby Ellsbury that I thought warranted a closer look;“By the same token, wouldn't Pedroia be a superior leadoff hitter because 1) he has a consistently higher OBP and 2) while he doesn't have Ellsbury's speed or basestealing prowess, he hits far more doubles, which negates the need for the SB?”This is a good but somewhat flawed point. Dustin Pedroia would be a better leadoff hitter because he’s a better offensive player than Jacoby Ellsbury. Dustin Pedroia would be better in any spot in the order than Jacoby Ellsbury. The question is whether given the structure of the Boston Red Sox offense if it makes sense to lead off Jacoby Ellsbury.Mike is a smart guy and asks a couple of relevant questions;“But who hits more singles: Pedroia or Ellsbury?”The implication is obvious, a good leadoff man needs to get in scoring position somehow. This sent me digging into Baseball-Reference. The easy...